Kumbirai Mirimi
Chinhoyi University Of Technology, Travel and Recreation Management, Graduate Student
This research explored the feasibility of developing health tourism in Zimbabwe using knowledge levels, attitudes of stakeholders and current practises as barometers of the destination’s potential. Researchers conducted in-depth... more
This research explored the feasibility of developing health tourism in Zimbabwe using knowledge levels, attitudes of stakeholders and current practises as barometers of the destination’s potential. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with tourism experts, hoteliers and tour operators in Harare (capital city of Zimbabwe). The major findings of the study on knowledge, attitudes and practices were that knowledge level on health tourism was high among hoteliers and tourism experts, with tour operators exhibiting little knowledge. In terms of attitude, hoteliers were quite positive about the adoption of health tourism while tourism experts were pessimistic about health tourism’s potential to provide a return on investment. On current health tourism practises the study revealed that there were health packages offered by hotels to a limited extent and only as a requirement for their grading. Nevertheless, an overarching insight from the study was that development of health tourism wa...
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The research was conducted to explore the employee understanding of the effects of dollarization on the performance of the hospitality industry in Zimbabwe. Using a qualitative research philosophy data was collected from 25 people using... more
The research was conducted to explore the employee understanding of the effects of dollarization on the performance of the hospitality industry in Zimbabwe. Using a qualitative research philosophy data was collected from 25 people using semi structured questionnaires in one of Zimbabwe’s renowned tourism resort, (Nyanga). Three key themes emerged that dollarization led to employee motivation, led to a positive social change and has led to improved economic performance of the country. The researchers concluded that dollarization had a positive impact on the performance of the hospitality industry in Zimbabwe and recommended that it should be allowed to continue in Zimbabwe for the good of the industry and the people.
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Purpose: In Zimbabwe, people with disabilities have limited options when looking for hotel accommodation as hotels often lack facilities that cater to their specific needs. This study sought to explore the perceptions of people with... more
Purpose: In Zimbabwe, people with disabilities have limited options when looking for hotel accommodation as hotels often lack facilities that cater to their specific needs. This study sought to explore the perceptions of people with disabilities on the compliance of Zimbabwean hotels in the provision of innovative facilities for guests with disabilities.Methods: Data was collected by administering a semi-structured interview guide to 55 respondents. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out.Results: The findings indicate that hotels are not compliant in terms of providing innovative facilities for guests with disabilities. Accessibility of facilities emerged as the most important consideration for guests with disabilities.Conclusion: It is recommended that hotels be more innovative and upgrade their facilities so that they are accessible to people with disabilities. This would not only enhance their guests’ hotel experience, but would also expand the hotels’ customer base to inc...
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The word "dollarization" has been used to describe the adoption of United States Dollar (US$) or other major advanced country's currency as the currency of choice in a foreign country. Upon adoption in 2009 February,... more
The word "dollarization" has been used to describe the adoption of United States Dollar (US$) or other major advanced country's currency as the currency of choice in a foreign country. Upon adoption in 2009 February, Zimbabweans and the tourism industry were optimistic about the future as they thought it would bring a more stable economy. Three years down the line it is prudent to evaluate and see if this much talked about and praised economic move had any effect on the performance of one key sector of the Zimbabwean economy (Tourism). To answer this question a graphical and quantitative analysis of Zimbabwean Tourism industry performance indicators was done. The data was grouped into pre-2009 and post-2009 and compared the means and variables between these two eras. The results of the analysis lead us to conclude that there is a positive impact of dollarization on the Zimbabwean Tourism industry.
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International borders greatly influence tourism development. In 2012 and 2013, a decline in tourists to Zimbabwe from South Africa was partially attributed to tourist border facilitation issues. It is against this background that this... more
International borders greatly influence tourism development. In 2012 and 2013, a decline in tourists to Zimbabwe from South Africa was partially attributed to tourist border facilitation issues. It is against this background that this study sought to establish the nature of challenges faced by tourists when using the Beitbridge border post (Zimbabwean side). Questionnaire responses were thematically analysed and the study concluded that border administrative management related issues are a major barrier to tourism. Key among the study's recommendations is that the depressed tourists" border experiences obtaining at Beitbridge border post among other constraints have to be addressed as a matter of urgency. This will enhance Zimbabwe"s accessibility, tourist satisfaction and the image of the country as a destination. The paper further identifies several destination managerial implications and future research priorities.
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The paper conceptualizes a stakeholder model that reflects their involvement for tourism development. The model integrates key sequential concepts such as stakeholder research, stakeholder strategy formulation and stakeholder... more
The paper conceptualizes a stakeholder model that reflects their involvement for tourism development. The model integrates key sequential concepts such as stakeholder research, stakeholder strategy formulation and stakeholder implementation. Stakeholder research will be inevitable so as to unearth the true state of affairs as well as unravelling the existing challenges within the tourism industry. Strategy formulation of stakeholders will involve collaboration and consultations among the various key stakeholders to craft measures on how best tourism development can be achieved; measures may include capacity building or establishing a communication platform. Implementation involves putting all the strategies into action and involving all stakeholders. The conceptual model results from the syntheses of literature for successful stakeholder processes and developing collective commitment and capacity to turn ideas and plans into action. Both theoretical and empirical works were consulte...
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We investigated the appropriateness of branding in resuscitating tourism in a market facing a decline in tourist arrivals since the past decade that experienced macro-econo mic and polit ical challenges. However the new political... more
We investigated the appropriateness of branding in resuscitating tourism in a market facing a decline in tourist arrivals since the past decade that experienced macro-econo mic and polit ical challenges. However the new political dispensation ushered by the Government of National Unity (GNU) created stable conditions allowing the Zimbabwe touris m sector to (re) b rand. This saw the country then launching a new tourism b rand, "Zimbabwe: A world of wonders". The main purpose of this study was to explore the potential of previously unbranded tourist attractions to strength an ailing national brand facing a plethora of challenges. Our approach was based on a hybridised quantitative and qualitative dimension. Results indicate that branding strategies and policies in p lace to position Zimbab we as a prime tourist destination employed by the tourism authorities in Zimbabwe are somewhat ineffective potentially due to limited stakeholder engagement. The conclusions thereof empha...
Research Interests: Tourism Studies, Hospitality Management, Destination Management, Branding, Image, and 8 moreTourism, Food and Gastronomy Tourism, Sport and Event Tourism, Hotel Management, Resuscitation, Destination, Bali seminar unwto study on tourism and intangible cultural heritage, and entomaphagy and gastronomy
The paper assesses the extent to which the impacts of tourism development in Mana Pools National Park affect Mukwichi community's perceptions towards tourism and tourism development. Qualitative research methodology was used to... more
The paper assesses the extent to which the impacts of tourism development in Mana Pools National Park affect Mukwichi community's perceptions towards tourism and tourism development. Qualitative research methodology was used to investigate the impacts of tourism development on host communities and their effects on the community's perceptions. The findings revealed that, besides losing control over their resources, the communities are incurring losses with no compensation, are not involved in decision making and therefore have negative perceptions towards tourism and tourism development. The study concludes that managing impacts and improving park-community relationships can increase local support for tourism development. The study suggests that the park should take initiative to change community perceptions by employing a bottom-up approach to tourism planning and development, encouraging community enterprise through Community Based Tourism Initiatives, training and educatio...
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Research Interests:
The macro-economic and political challenges experienced in Zimbabwe in the last decade have impacted negatively on the competitiveness of Zimbabwe as a tourist destination. However the new political and economic dispensation ushered... more
The macro-economic and political challenges experienced in Zimbabwe in the last decade have impacted negatively on the competitiveness of Zimbabwe as a tourist destination. However the new political and economic dispensation ushered through the Government of National Unity (GNU) has created stable conditions thereby bringing in a new lease of life for the Zimbabwe’s tourism sector to rebrand itself. This paper proposes that in this rebranding exercise Zimbabwe can exploit its undiscovered tourist gems to regain competitiveness. These undiscovered tourist gems include culture of the BaTonga people, the Shangaai people, and farm or agro-tourism in the Eastern Highlands, Chimanimani area and Masvingo in terms of wildlife, Domboshava and Chiredzi in the lowveld as noted from the research. A descriptive research design was used because the primary objective was to describe the effects of the dynamic interaction between tourism branding, industry environment and its characteristics on tou...
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Purpose: In Zimbabwe, people with disabilities have limited options when looking for hotel accommodation as hotels often lack facilities that cater to their specific needs. This study sought to explore the perceptions of people with... more
Purpose: In Zimbabwe, people with disabilities have limited options when looking for hotel accommodation as hotels often lack facilities that cater to their specific needs. This study sought to explore the perceptions of people with disabilities on the compliance of Zimbabwean hotels in the provision of innovative facilities for guests with disabilities. Methods: Data was collected by administering a semi-structured interview guide to 55 respondents. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out. Results: The findings indicate that hotels are not compliant in terms of providing innovative facilities for guests with disabilities. Accessibility of facilities emerged as the most important consideration for guests with disabilities. Conclusion: It is recommended that hotels be more innovative and upgrade their facilities so that they are accessible to people with disabilities. This would not only enhance their guests' hotel experience, but would also expand the hotels' customer base to include this clientele.
Research Interests:
The paper assesses the extent to which the impacts of tourism development in Mana Pools National Park affect Mukwichi community’s perceptions towards tourism and tourism development. Qualitative research methodology was used to... more
The paper assesses the extent to which the impacts of tourism development in Mana Pools National Park affect Mukwichi community’s perceptions towards tourism and tourism development. Qualitative research methodology was used to investigate the impacts of tourism development on host communities and their effects on the community’s perceptions. The findings revealed that, besides losing control over their resources, the communities are incurring losses with no compensation, are not involved in decision making and therefore have negative perceptions towards tourism and tourism development. The study concludes that managing impacts and improving park-community relationships can increase local support for tourism development. The study suggests that the park should take initiative to change community perceptions by employing a bottom-up approach to tourism planning and development, encouraging community enterprise through Community Based Tourism Initiatives, training and education of the...
The macro-economic and political challenges experienced in Zimbabwe in the last decade have impacted negatively on the competitiveness of Zimbabwe as a tourist destination. However the new political and economic dispensation ushered... more
The macro-economic and political challenges experienced in Zimbabwe in the last decade have impacted negatively on the competitiveness of Zimbabwe as a tourist destination. However the new political and economic dispensation ushered through the Government of National Unity (GNU) has created stable conditions thereby bringing in a new lease of life for the Zimbabwe's tourism sector to rebrand itself. This paper proposes that in this rebranding exercise Zimbabwe can exploit its undiscovered tourist gems to regain competitiveness. These undiscovered tourist gems include culture of the BaTonga people, the Shangaai people, and farm or agro-tourism in the Eastern Highlands, Chimanimani area and Masvingo in terms of wildlife, Domboshava and Chiredzi in the lowveld as noted from the research. A descriptive research design was used because the primary objective was to describe the effects of the dynamic interaction between tourism branding, industry environment and its characteristics on...
The main aim of this paper is to explore stakeholder involvement in the development of a brand as well as in the rebranding exercise in order to produce high brand value. Most researchers concur that stakeholders play an imperative role... more
The main aim of this paper is to explore stakeholder involvement in the development of a brand as well as in the rebranding exercise in order to produce high brand value. Most researchers concur that stakeholders play an imperative role in destination branding as they deal directly with the tourists. The tourism industry as a whole is characterized by intangible services which require proper management. The intangibility of these tourism products and services determine a destination's possibility of being chosen by potential tourists. A positive image will attract tourists, allow revisits as well as attracts new customers be it via marketing or word-of-mouth as well as enhancing customer satisfaction. Based on literature review, a conceptual model on attaining high brand value is proposed. Brand image; brand awareness as well as brand loyalty in relation to stakeholder influence were reviewed since they have an effect on brand value. The paper observes the importance of stakehol...
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Tourism Studies, Hospitality Management, Destination Management, Branding, Image, and 8 moreTourism, Food and Gastronomy Tourism, Sport and Event Tourism, Hotel Management, Resuscitation, Destination, Bali seminar unwto study on tourism and intangible cultural heritage, and entomaphagy and gastronomy
International borders greatly influence tourism development. In 2012 and 2013, a decline in tourists to Zimbabwe from South Africa was partially attributed to tourist border facilitation issues. It is against this background that this... more
International borders greatly influence tourism development. In 2012 and 2013, a decline in tourists to Zimbabwe from South Africa was partially attributed to tourist border facilitation issues. It is against this background that this study sought to establish the nature of challenges faced by tourists when using the Beitbridge border post (Zimbabwean side). Questionnaire responses were thematically analysed and the study concluded that border administrative management related issues are a major barrier to tourism. Key among the study's recommendations is that the depressed tourists‟ border experiences obtaining at Beitbridge border post among other constraints have to be addressed as a matter of urgency. This will enhance Zimbabwe‟s accessibility, tourist satisfaction and the image of the country as a destination. The paper further identifies several destination managerial implications and future research priorities.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Tourism Studies, Hospitality Management, Branding, Image, Tourism, and 8 moreTourism Motivation, Cross-cultural studies, and national identity and Tourism, Food and Gastronomy Tourism, Sport and Event Tourism, Hotel Management, Resuscitation, Destination, Bali seminar unwto study on tourism and intangible cultural heritage, and entomaphagy and gastronomy
The delivery of Memorable Tourism Experience has emerged to be one of the critical catalysts for destination competitiveness and sustainability. While a notable growth in boat cruise activities is being recorded globally there is an... more
The delivery of Memorable Tourism Experience has emerged to be one of the critical catalysts for destination competitiveness and sustainability. While a notable growth in boat cruise activities is being recorded globally there is an ironical silence by scholars on the subject; with minimal research having been conducted so far. Using a qualitative methodological slant, this study therefore sought to explore the determinants of Memorable Tourism Experience in the boating sector. The study concluded that provision of unique local food, cultural based entertainment, opportunity for tourist‟s social interactions, beautiful scenery, encountering wild animals, professionalism of crew members, opportunities for boaters‟ group involvement and refreshment are important determinants of Memorable Tourism Experiences in the boating sector. Boat operators should thus strive to facilitate the development of Memorable Boating Experiences through an assortment of the above stated eight (8) determinants.